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The Nairobian

Arsenal confirm first four summer deals as new contracts announced

Football

By Mirror | Jun 24, 2020

Premier League - Crystal Palace v Arsenal - Selhurst Park, London, Britain - January 11, 2020 Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is comforted by Mesut Ozil as he leaves the pitch after being shown a red card [REUTERS/David Klein ]

Arsenal have confirmed that they are taking up Pablo Mari's £8million transfer option as well as tying down David Luiz to a new one-year contract.

Cedric Soares, the Portuguese international still to play a game for the club despite arriving in January, has also singed a "long-term deal", while Dani Ceballos' loan from Real Madrid has been extended until the conclusion of the current Premier League season.

The quartet were due to leave the Emirates Stadium on July 1, with their contracts set to expire next week.

All will now remain, most notably Mari, whose loan deal from Flamengo has been made permanent, and ex-Chelsea defender Luiz, who has found himself under fire from fans after his recent red card against Manchester City.

Premier League - Arsenal v Brighton & Hove Albion - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - December 5, 2019 Arsenal's David Luiz [REUTERS/Eddie Keogh]

The Brazilian's one-year option had initially not been taken up by the club.

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But with both he and Arteta keen for him to remain, a new deal, on slightly reduced terms, has been cut.

Technical director Edu said: “I am really happy that we will have these players in our squad for the future.

"They have been part of the long-term technical plan Mikel and I have developed. They bring the right balance to our squad.

“David is a really important player for us. He has played most of our matches this season and has been important for the team.

"His passing, his communication with the team on and off the pitch. He helps everyone.

“With Pablo we’re all disappointed he got injured at Manchester City. Since Mikel arrived here he was asking for a central defender who was left-footed.

"We were really pleased with Pablo - his behaviour, the way he is training, his mentality and his quality.

"Unfortunately, he has that injury but of course we are really happy to keep him for the future.

Portugal full-back Cedric, part of their Euro 2016-winning side, arrived in North London from Southampton in January on a free transfer.

Injuries mean he is yet to feature for the club since his arrival, but the 28-year-old is understood to have been handed a four-year contract.

It's hoped he will challenge Hector Bellerin for the right-back spot next term.

“Cedric is also going to be an important player," added Edu. "He has been unlucky with the injuries but he is close to being ready and gives us more strength in the right-back position.

"We’re also pleased Dani will finish the season here.

"He is making a good contribution and we look forward to him having a strong finish to the season.”